BLOOMFIELD – Evani Velasquez, one of the most decorated high school athletes in San Juan County this decade, will extend her educational and athletic career at the collegiate level after signing a national letter of intent last week to join Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Bloomfield High School senior—a state champion in track and field and football, and a standout for the Bobcat girls soccer team—has been one of the most sought-after prospects in the region.
Velasquez was recently chosen by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as the Section 6 Female Student-Athlete of the Year.
She won a state title in the 200-meter dash during the 2024 NMAA state championship meet. She also earned medals in the 100- and 400-meter races, placing second in both events during her sophomore season.
Velasquez also excelled on the soccer pitch, scoring 38 goals and recording 83 steals in a Bobcat uniform before an injury cut short her junior season.
In addition to her athletic achievements, Velasquez has excelled in the classroom, earning a spot on the District 1-4A All-Academic team.
“Velasquez is an exceptional student-athlete who embodies the very best qualities of our school community,” said Bloomfield girls soccer coach Jarly Lopez. “Her dedication, work ethic and commitment to excellence inspires her teammates and classmates alike.”
In her senior year, Velasquez was an integral part of the Bloomfield football team’s special teams unit, recording a perfect season kicking extra points for the Bobcats on their way to the Class 4A state championship.
Velasquez hopes to end her high school career with another state title in track and field next month when she competes at the UNM Track-Soccer Complex.
Oral Roberts University competes in the Summit League and is a NCAA Division I school. The Golden Eagles have been a dominant force in the conference for more than 15 years, winning numerous regular-season and tournament championships, particularly in baseball and basketball.
The women’s track and field team has won two Summit League championships and sent 40 qualifiers to the national tournament. The team was ranked No. 1 nationally in combined grade point average in 2001 and 2002 and has 115 All-Summit League selections and six athletes of the year.
Notable alumnus Andretti Bain won a silver medal for the Bahamas in the 4 X 400 meter relay at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Oral Roberts’ track team is coached by Alick Musukuma, a four-time All-American at Blinn College and a five-time All-American at Oklahoma Baptist.
Musukuma competed at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, for his native Zambia. He held the national record in the 800 meters for two years and was named Zambian Sportsman of the Year from 1988 to 1991.